JR.GOD

Shan stood surrounded by the squad captains, their intimidating auras weighing heavily on the room. Clara's voice rang out, sharp and accusatory. "He entered my base without permission and even dared to attack me!"

Elesta stepped forward, her eyes narrowing in disappointment. "Shan, why? Why would you come here without authorization?"

Shan's voice was steady, though his frustration was evident. "Rosy hasn't done anything wrong. What reason do you have for punishing her?"

Elesta sighed, her tone firm but tinged with regret. "It's the Celestial King's order. And to think I believed you could one day become a captain, Shan. You've destroyed my trust in you. I can't help you this time."

Toron, the captain of the top-ranked Destroy Squad, crossed his arms, his presence radiating authority. His voice was cold and cutting. "Is this really why you sounded the alarm, Clara?"

Clara hesitated, but her pride pushed her to respond. "Yes, Toron. He entered without permission, and he struck me!"

Toron sneered, his disdain palpable. "You're in the top three, Clara, and this 'kid' managed to punch you? It's a disgrace. You're not fit to call yourself a god."

Clara's face flushed with anger and humiliation, but before she could retort, Elesta raised her hand. "That's enough, Toron. We're here to deal with this situation, not to humiliate one another."

Turning her attention back to Shan, Elesta's voice softened slightly. "Shan, come with me now. Leave Rosy."

Shan stood his ground, his body tense. "No. I won't leave her."

Elesta's face hardened. "Don't make this harder than it has to be."

Before she could act, Toron snapped his fingers, and an overwhelming pressure filled the room. Shan and Rosy collapsed to their knees, the weight of his power crushing them.

"Don't waste my time with such petty matters again," Toron said coldly, casting a withering glance at Clara before turning and walking out.

With Shan and Rosy subdued, Elesta sighed deeply. "Capture them both. We're taking them to the Celestial King."

Bound and powerless, Shan and Rosy were dragged from the room, their fates now in the hands of the Celestial King. The air was heavy with tension, each step echoing with the uncertainty of what awaited them.

Shan stood before the Celestial King, his heart pounding. This was the first time he'd seen the figure whose authority ruled over all gods. The Celestial King's presence was overwhelming, his voice deep and commanding.

"Just moments ago, Elesta spoke highly of you, Shan," the Celestial King began, his gaze piercing. "But now, you've violated the sacred rules. Why did you enter another captain's squad base without permission?"

Shan's voice was steady, but defiant. "What did Rosy do to deserve punishment?"

The Celestial King's expression didn't waver. "She helped you train without proper authorization."

Shan's fists clenched. "So, is a god's duty limited to just protecting people?"

The Celestial King's voice was firm. "Yes, Shan. That is our duty."

Shan's eyes burned with frustration. "Then you're an idiot god."

"Watch your mouth!" Elesta snapped, her voice like a whip.

The Celestial King raised a hand, silencing her. "It's alright, Elesta. Let him speak." His gaze returned to Shan. "Then enlighten me, Shan. What do you think a god's duty is?"

Shan's voice was unwavering. "Our duty is to protect people, yes, but also to teach them how to protect themselves. Gods need to connect with the people they serve. Relationships matter. Do you have one?"

Elesta's fury boiled over, and she struck Shan across the face. "You dare speak so insolently before the Celestial King!"

"Enough, Elesta," the Celestial King said, his voice calm but authoritative. She bowed her head and stepped back.

The Celestial King's gaze softened, a rare crack in his imposing demeanor. "I do have a relationship, Shan. I have a son. But I left him long ago."

Shan tilted his head, his voice cutting like a blade. "Can you even remember their names? Do you know who they are?"

The Celestial King's composure shattered. His voice boomed through the hall. "That's enough! You stand here, arguing as if you alone are right!"

Shan's response was quiet but resolute. "Isn't that exactly what you're doing, too?"

The Celestial King's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "It's for your own good, Shan. Don't you understand?"

Shan stepped forward, his tone filled with equal parts confusion and defiance. "Why do you care so much about me?"

The Celestial King hesitated, the weight of his next words evident in his expression. Finally, he spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. "Because... I am you."

The room fell into stunned silence. Before anyone could react, two members of Elesta's squad burst into the chamber, their faces pale with urgency.

"My lord!" one of them shouted. "Five of the Ichor has been stolen!"

The room erupted in shock, the revelation sending ripples of panic through everyone present. The Celestial King's expression darkened, his previous vulnerability replaced with a deadly resolve.

"Seal the gates," he commanded. "No one leaves this realm until we uncover the truth."

Shan, still processing the revelation, found himself swept into the escalating chaos, unsure of what lay ahead.